Introduction
If you’re considering joining a Veterinary Management Group (VMG), you probably have a lot of questions about how it all works. In this blog post, we’ll answer some common questions about VMGs, from communication between meetings to member benefits available prior to attending your first meeting. We’ll also provide insight into why attending meetings regularly is so important and whether or not you need to adopt the AAHA/VMG Chart of Accounts.
Can my partner(s) and I alternate attending group meetings?
Members are not interchangeable; the partner designated as the member needs to be the one who attends all meetings. Getting to know each other well enhances group discussions and is key to the success of the meetings.
Is there communication between meetings with my VMG members?
Each VMG has a group email distribution list which makes it easy to communicate in between meetings. It allows for robust discussions amongst members and their facilitator. Most groups actively use it to solicit advice or opinions, share knowledge, etc. with their fellow members.
What member benefits are available to me prior to attending my first meeting?
• Preferred Partner purchasing program
• Professional Development programs for members and their staff
• Financial dashboards and practice metrics through DATALINK
I am already a member of another group purchasing organization (GPO). Can I participate in the
GPO and the VSG Preferred Partner purchasing program?
You are not required to withdraw from a GPO once you become a VMG member, however most of our partners will designate you as affiliated with the VMG purchasing program. Most members find that our agreements are at least equal to, and in most cases, better than other GPOs. We ask that members consider using the Preferred Partners with whom we have negotiated agreements when possible.
Do I need to adopt the AAHA/VMG Chart of Accounts?
All companion animal practices should convert to the AAHA/VMG Chart of Accounts so they can participate in DATALINK, our financial benchmarking program. This allows for “apples to apples” comparison of data.
Conclusion
Veterinary Management Groups (VMG) provide a unique opportunity for veterinary practice owners to collaborate with each other, improve their leadership skills, and provide better care to their patients. Through regular attendance at meetings, group communication, and access to member benefits, VMG members can learn from each other and grow as veterinary professionals. Whether you’re considering joining a VMG or are already a member, we hope this post has helped answer some of your questions and provided insight into the benefits of being a part of a VMG.
